Essendon begins contract extension talks with injured midfielder Nic Martin

Essendon has entered formal negotiations with Nic Martin regarding a long-term contract extension. The 25-year-old is currently signed through 2027, but the club aims to secure him beyond that window as he recovers from an ACL injury. Martin has been sidelined since round 18 of the 2025 season and missed the entirety of the 2026 campaign following additional knee surgery. As a member of the leadership group, he is considered a pivotal figure for the club. These discussions arrive as the team looks to solidify its roster under new coach Mark McVeigh after a difficult season. The organization has recently prioritized retaining key talent, including signing Sam Durham, Nate Caddy, Jacob Farrow, and Dyson Sharp to long-term deals.

• 11:45 AMAFL — Bombers move to lock in injured star with fresh long-term extension